Republicans are not in favor of a Democrat-led fight to increase food stamp benefits. Democrats believe raising food stamps by 15 percent will combat the coronavirus-related hunger crisis, though Republicans have fought for years to shrink the program.

According to a survey by the Brookings Institution, nearly one-fifth of mothers with young children say their children are not getting enough to eat. That rate is three times as high as it was in the 2008 Great Recession. Kate Maehr, head of the Chicago Food Bank, said “This program [SNAP] is the single most powerful anti-hunger tool that we have and one of the most important economic development tools.”

Due to the coronavirus, the United States is experiencing an alarming food shortage. Lines to food banks are miles long and parents are skipping meals so that their children can eat.

Food stamps have proven to be an efficient tool to combat hunger. The Republicans must set aside their political qualms and prioritize feeding America in a time of crisis. I demand that you agree to expand food stamp benefits so that millions of Americans don’t go hungry.